PRESENTATION DOORWAYS offering hospitality to the world

Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Mary and Associates | Dubuque, Iowa | Winter 2017 COMMITTEEThe

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY by the Sisters of the Presentation 2360 Carter Road Dubuque, Iowa 52001-2997 USA Phone: 563-588-2008 Fax: 563-588-4463 Email: [email protected] Website: www.dubuquepresentations.org DOORWAYS COMMITTEE Julianne Brockamp, PBVM; Jane Buse, Director of Communications; Associate Michelle Covey; Elena Hoye, PBVM; Sharon Kelchen, PBVM; A Look Inside Cindy Pfiffner, Associate Co-Director; Francine CONTENTS Quillin, PBVM; Marge Reidy; Karen Tuecke, Partners in Mission Coordinator; Leanne Welch, Sisters of the Presentation | Winter 2017 | Volume 61 • Number 4 PBVM; and Karen Zeckser The congregation is a member of Sisters United News of the Upper Mississippi River Valley, 4 A Gift of Global Connectedness Communicators for Women Religious and the Over 80 , associates and friends of Nano Nagle American Advertising Federation of Dubuque. from six continents met in Sydney, Australia, during the week of September 24-30, 2017, for the 7th Assembly of the International Presentation Association (IPA). The PUR POSE 8 A Living Nano Nagle The purpose of Presentation Doorways is Sister Lou Cota spends her days visiting the homebound, enjoying to further the mission of the Sisters of the being immersed in the richness of other cultures. Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and our associates by sharing the news 10 First Profession of Vows and views of the congregation with our On October 14, 2017, Sister Mary Therese Krueger celebrated her benefactors, families and friends. Through first profession of vows surrounded by her Presentation community, this publication, we hope to share the family and friends. charism of our congregation and to invite others to become involved in our mission. 11 Home Away From Home Vietnamese Sisters Huyen Phan and Nuong Bui have gifted the Presentation community with a new dimension of global life and THOUGHTSYour culture during their stay at Mount Loretto. & COMMENTS 12 A Listening, Caring Presence We want your input. Please send or email In retirement, Sister Michelle Gallagher emulates Nano’s spirit of photos, stories and information about our being a welcoming and Christ-like presence to others. sisters, associates, former members, family and friends, or any ideas which relate to the 14 Remembering Our Roots aim of this publication. Submit to: We remember our global roots of service in Bolivia, Africa, Guatemala and Ireland. Editor, Presentation Doorways 2360 Carter Road Dubuque, Iowa 52001-2997 17 Keeping Her Name Alive [email protected] We remember Sisters Kathleen Dolphin and Sheila Kane.

19 Mount Loretto & Beyond Co v e r We share with you special times in the lives of Dubuque PHOTOS Sisters of the Presentation and associates, near and far. The doorways represented on the cover are snapshots of significant doors in the Presentation history and present day ministries: (Left to right) Doorway of Hotel Hope, a nonprofit hotel for homeless women and children in New Orleans, Louisiana; Doorway of St. Vincent’s Sister Lou Cota celebrates Virginia Coffey’s 103rd birthday. Sister Academy (now St. Columbkille) in Dubuque, Iowa, Co v e r Lou spends her days visiting the homebound from St. Dorothy and in 1879; Doorway of La Luz Hispana, a center where PHOTO St. Gerard parishes in Chicago. Hispanic people come together in Hampton, Iowa; Doorway of the Presentation Motherhouse at 2360 Carter Road in Dubuque, Iowa; Doorway of Casa Betania, home for retreats and a gathering space for students in Tarija, Bolivia. a MessageO from p e n i n gs Leadership

by LEANNE WELCH, PBVM Our “If I could be of service in serving souls MISSION We, the Sisters of the Presentation, in any part of the world, are Catholic women who I would gladly do all in my power.” dedicate our lives to God through evangelization, prayer, service and Nano Nagle hospitality. Our way of life is based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We As we prepare to celebrate 300 years since the birth of our foundress, Nano Nagle, in 2018, we stop share in the vision of our foundress, to realize how far the seeds of evangelization and hospitality have been scattered and how they have Venerable Nano Nagle, who dared grown since she chose to give her life to serving those in need. Our Dubuque Presentation community to dream of a better world for has played a significant role in this over the last 143 years. the poor, sick and uneducated of Ireland. We commit ourselves Nano Nagle, our foundress in Ireland, the four women who came from Ireland to begin our Dubuque to the empowerment of women foundation and the hundreds of women who have chosen to serve the mission of Jesus by becoming and children. We reverence and a Dubuque Presentation Sister, have been motivated by faith and mission. As Mahatma Gandhi once celebrate all creation as gift. We said, “A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the commit ourselves to confronting course of history.” injustice and working for peace.

To ponder the courage, commitment and dedication it took each of the founding women of our As we continue to keep Nano’s Dubuque congregation to make the choice to leave all behind evokes total amazement. Sister Mary dream alive, we are pleased to share Martin McCormick, in an unfinished reflection on Mother Vincent Hennessy, our Dubuque our vision with you. foundress, wrote “What lies within a woman to brave leaving home, leaving first roots, being assigned a new name, being uprooted in Ireland, leaving Mooncoin – responsive to grace – an odyssey, call and response … Mother Vincent, like and Sarah, following where the Spirit led – ” Our DIR ECTION Since our beginning in Dubuque, our ministries have focused on the Midwest but have also stretched Ignited by the fire of God’s love to early mission work in Alabama, establishment of a community in Bolivia, as well as ministry in and impelled by the legacy Guatemala, Tanzania and Ireland. We have served a variety of cultures within the United States of Nano Nagle, we, the borders and beyond. Today, by serving in 10 states, the District of Columbia and Bolivia, we touch a Sisters of the Presentation variety of ethnic groups and cultures. One ministry, the Presentation Lantern Center in Dubuque, has of Dubuque, participate served people from over 60 different countries in its 15 years of existence. in the evolving consciousness of the cosmos by Hopefully you will enjoy this issue of Doorways which celebrates some of these accomplishments as reverencing relationships we feature a few of the many ways our sisters and associates live our motto of hospitality in a variety of celebrating unity styles within an array of ages and cultures. engaging contemplation and May our Christmas celebration include reverencing our Presentation roots and their growth in serving fostering partnerships God’s people. to transform ourselves and our world.

Who is Nano Nagle? Sisters of the Presentation Nano Nagle (1718-1784), foundress of the Sisters of the Presentation, was born in LEADERSHIP TEAM Ireland where strict barred children from attending school or learning Sister Julianne Brockamp about God. At age 32, Nano secretly gathered the children of the poor, teaching them catechism, reading, writing and mathematics. Tireless in service, Nano spent her days Sister Beth Driscoll teaching the children, and her nights caring for the sick and the elderly, bringing them Sister Ann Jackson food, medicine and comfort. Captivated by the spirit of the poor she served, she often visited with them late into the night with a lantern in hand. Before long, Nano became Sister Leanne Welch known as the “Lady of the Lantern.”

PRESENTATION DOORWAYS | winter 2017 3 Sister Jessi Beck’s Reflection I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have participated in this spirit-filled gathering of Nano’s daughters and friends. I My heart is overflowing with attended as one of four representatives of the Conference of joy to be part of this network of Presentation Sisters of North America in addition each individual congregation sent a leadership team member and justice contact. Presentation people living the Gospel of Jesus and dream of My heart is overflowing with joy to be a part of this network of Presentation people living the Gospel of Jesus and dream of Nano Nagle in so many parts of Nano Nagle in so many parts of the world today. Right away the world today. Sister Jessi Beck I felt a strong connection to this group of strangers whom I now call friends. Sister Elena Hoye, IPA networker, offered the image of a fisherman’s net to explain our connection, “A web of invisible threads connect each one of us with one charism and one mission. When one member is in need, the group feels it and children, care of Earth and indigenous peoples, as is relevant to shifts to respond.” our local regions.

The Work Additionally, each participant experienced a personal impact The official work of the assembly is to set the direction and that they will share with their home congregation and use to commitments for the membership of International Presentation fuel ongoing collaborations for mission. Sisters Jessi Beck and Joy Peterson, Associate Billie Greenwood, Sisters Mery Cari Paz, Association for the next five years. Presentation Sisters Marlette Elena Hoye and Julianne Brockamp attend the 2017 IPA Assembly in Australia. Black and Anne Lane, both from Australia, used a contemplative Keynote Speaker Understanding the dialogue process to facilitate the group through the work of Presentation Sister Shalini Mulackal, from India, professor of analyzing the many proposals presented to the assembly and systematic theology at Vidyajyoti College of Theology in Delhi, International Presentation creating a direction statement. India, offered three keynote presentations highlighting how International our present social context and our common story from the Association (IPA) Outcomes prophets, Jesus and Nano inform where the future is leading us. Recognizing the shifts happening in our world, the assembly Sister Shalini invited the group to consider how we are united Presentation Association committed to creating a task group to explore a new in God’s revelation through the stories and prophets of the Old Who is the IPA? organizational structure that will better allow IPA to achieve its Testament and our commission as disciples of Jesus to speak The International Presentation Association (IPA) is a mission and an advisory group to implement the chosen structure. and act with God’s compassion. This, she argues, opens us to network of the various congregations of Sisters of the be transformed like Nano, who saw the reality of those made Presentation around the world, formed to foster unity, A Gift of Global In our work at the United Nations and at the grassroots, we poor in her time and was deeply disturbed. When hopelessness enable collaborations for the sake of mission and work will respond to the cry of Earth and to people made poor by threatened to paralyze her, Nano drew on the courage and for personal and systemic change for people and Earth. embracing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a compassion of God to respond with one step, and then another, human rights framework, addressing the issues of women and and then another. Love in action. Membership is made up of the three Presentation Connectedness units: Conference (North America), Society (Australia and Papua New Guinea) and Union (Africa, Canada, England, India, Ireland, Latin America, New Zealand, Reflection by JESSI BECK, PBVM Pakistan, Philippines and United States).

What is the IPA Assembly? Gathering under the theme: Our feet know the way … Our hearts carry The IPA Assembly, a policy-making body for the the light … over 80 Presentation Sisters, associates and friends of Nano International Presentation Association, meets every Nagle from six continents met in Sydney, Australia, during the week five years and the meetings are hosted by Presentation of September 24-30, 2017, for the 7th Assembly of the International Sisters around the world. Presentation Association (IPA). The gathering was held at Mary MacKillop Place, the site where Australia’s first , Mary MacKillop, Who attends the IPA Assembly? lived and is buried. Typically, a community leadership team member, justice contact and one additional community member Several members of the Dubuque Presentation community were represent each congregation, province or region. The represented in a variety of roles: Sisters Julianne Brockamp and Joy IPA directors, IPA networker, IPA United Nations Peterson representing the Dubuque Presentation Sisters; Sister Elena NGO representative and special guests also attend. Hoye as the IPA networker; Sister Mery Cari Paz represented the Association of Presentations in Latin America and Sister Jessi Beck and Associate Billie Greenwood were representatives from the Conference of Presentations in North America.

Sister Jessi Beck shares her experiences and insights from the assembly. Sister Elena Hoye led the group in an activity using a fisherman’s net to explain their connection with each other and their one charism and one mission.

4 PRESENTATION DOORWAYS | winter 2017 PRESENTATION DOORWAYS | winter 2017 131757 International Presentation Assembly Widening the Tent

Reflection by BILLIE GREENWOOD, ASSOCIATE

International Presentation Association (IPA) assemblies have periodically gathered Presentation leaders from around the world. Left to right: Presentation Sisters Silvia Francis (Union), Jessi Beck (North America), Shalini Mulackal (Union) and Mery Cari Paz (North America) get to know each The 2017 Assembly in Sydney, Australia, however, reached out other better over a break. Sister Julianne Brockamp (North America) visits with Sister Jeya Pushpam Chinnayan (Union). Presentation Sisters Iova Marie Diniz (Union) significantly to “widen the tent” and deliberately include other with Sister Joy Peterson (North America) enjoy one another’s company. Presentation people not previously represented. Because the sisters want to collaborate with all people who are inspired by Non-violence of Mind people and climate change respectively. Our hearts were Nano Nagle’s life, this year they invited lay participants. As a As a way to move forward, Sister Shalini invited us to consider expanded as we heard the struggle and resiliency of people Dubuque Presentation associate, I attended the assembly as a non-violence of mind, a practice used by Mahatma Ghandi in the living in such difficult situations in so many parts of the world. representative from North America. Several younger Presentation Indian Independence Movement. In summary, Ghandi believed I am inspired by the response of compassionate action by Sisters were also invited because they will carry Nano’s lantern that in the face of injustice one needs to do right action. Only our Presentation people and challenged to find new ways to flame into the future. when the mind is not clouded by anger, frustration and hatred respond to the critical needs where I live. (even for the oppressor) can one see and act with clarity in any All assembly activities involved every person, and the group made given situation. The assembly found this idea so compelling and Insights Gained decisions by consensus. This meant that all the assembly delegates, needed in today’s world that it was included in the direction It makes a difference that I now have a personal connection including me, shared an equal voice, an amazing experience of statement: to girls in Pakistan seeking a good education, women in India true collaboration. Having recently participated in the Dubuque self-organizing a loan program to start small businesses and congregation’s annual Community Days prepared me for this indigenous people in Ecuador reclaiming and restoring land that important assembly work. From a contemplative stance, we Left to right: Top photo: Participants We, Presentation people, embody the compassion of is rightfully theirs. One of the most important insights I gained listened deeply and spoke from the heart. take part of a small group discussion. Jesus and Nano. We practice non-violence of mind and from this experience is that all of our work for the mission is Back row: Sister Nifa Viegas (Union) heart as we listen into the chaos and feel the pain of our strengthened by our connectedness. This assembly considered IPA’s evolving structure. We and Sister Elena Hoye (Conference); time. We find strength in connectedness trusting that addressed its need to adapt in order to more effectively network Front row: Dubuque Presentation Associate Billie Greenwood, Sister our feet know the way and our hearts carry the light. I experienced that our diversity is a great gift. I had the privilege Presentation people and respond to the cry of those made poor of doing the work of the assembly at a table with Presentation Anne Jordan (Society), Sister and the cry of Earth. We received reports reviewing IPA since Noreen McGrath (Union) and Sister people from Australia, India, Philippines and an Irish sister the last assembly in 2012 and shared perspectives on how best to living in Ecuador. We learned so much from listening deeply Eileen Keating (Union). Middle grow into the future. photo: Billie Greenwood shares her Mission in Action to the truth and experience that each offered. When faced with reflections with the group. Bottom One day of the assembly was dedicated to hearing the stories of confusion or disagreement, we asked questions with curiosity. The opportunity to meet and interact deeply for a sustained photo: Sister Eileen Keating and Presentation people who respond to the critical needs of forced We prayed in union with one another and all the people in period with Presentation people from around the globe was Billie Greenwood work together to movement of peoples, indigenous peoples, climate change and our home countries. I wonder what kinds of divisions could transformative. True, we know from written reports about create a table response. women and children. Dubuque Presentation Sisters Mery Cari be healed and insights gained if more of us sat around such a Presentation ministries around the world but, when we hear Paz and Joy Peterson presented breakout sessions on indigenous diverse table more often. those stories directly from the people on the ground, head knowledge becomes so real and inspires the heart.

I experienced a strong affirmation as a lay representative and as a Presentation associate through inclusion at the assembly. “Widening the tent” appears to be an ongoing and expanding principle to which the assembly is committed. I felt the Presentation network as a vital global reality, one which will potentially strengthen as we grow into the future.

Ultimately membership in any group rests on relationships. The assembly offered us all a chance to meet, to interact, to know, to grow and to love Presentation people from around the world. I now feel a deep personal connection to IPA and to Presentation people across North America and around the world. I look forward to supporting International Presentation Association Participants of the Seventh Assembly of the International Presentation Association. enthusiastically.

6 PRESENTATION DOORWAYS | winter 2017 PRESENTATION DOORWAYS | winter 2017 7 at the HEART of the MISSION

Switching from nurse’s training to college, Sister Lou earned a bachelor’s degree in interdepartmental science from Clarke College. Subsequently she earned a master’s degree in biology at St. Mary College in Winona, Minnesota.

Over the years she taught in schools in Ryan, Lawler, Farley and Dubuque (St. Columbkille), all in Iowa, and at St. Dorothy School and Augustus Tolton Catholic Academy, both in Chicago. In these schools she taught high school general science, physics and biology and grades fifth through eighth science.

But a new field had been emerging! Sister Lou took her first computer class while teaching at Farley, and continued taking computer classes and workshops during the summers. While at The two youngest Cota children, Kay and Mary Lou Cota, enjoy a special St. Dorothy, computer technology became prominent, and Sister bond as members of the Sisters of the Presentation. Their parents, Bill and Lou began teaching computer part-time to grades five through Marie, can rightly smile down from heaven on all their children who have eight. It was not long before that position became full-time in “kept the faith” so well nurtured by them. pre-K through eighth grades!

Augustus Tolton was formed from the merger of St. Dorothy Chicago is a city that places great emphasis on unity among and St. Columbanus schools, both in South Chicago. The press the people living in a particular block. At St. Dorothy, they had release at the merger stated, “The Academy serves largely African- frequent social “block” parties and also block meetings for civic American students who are held to high academic standards, responsibilities. Members on a given block looked out for each and the academic excellence of St. Columbanus and St. Dorothy other and became close. Through these associations, Sister Lou schools will be a foundation for the Tolton Academy. Tolton is came to know and deeply appreciate how important “family” is in the Black culture, and extended family is especially valued. “It A celebration with family and friends was held to celebrate Virgina Coffey's 103rd birthday. Virgina was one of the homebound Sister Lou Cota visits on a regular basis. the first school in the Archdiocese of Chicago to implement a Virginia passed away this past October. Sister Lou spends time with Gwen Currin (second on left), another special elder from the parish. (Photo credit: John Weeler) STREAM curriculum, which places a focus on science, technology, takes the whole neighborhood to raise a child” was a reality that religion, engineering, arts and math.” was made visible.

Sister Lou became immersed in the richness of other cultures Markham is multi-ethnic, and Sister Lou says, “Markham is very SISTER LOU COTA in various ways. At one early point she attended a workshop by ‘homey,’ which creates a strong sense of belonging. This keeps me C.T. Vivian on interracial justice, and that raised considerable aware of how important it is to work for respect for all people awareness within her. She was also a Presentation representative and for the varying community cultures. I am grateful to have on the Intercongregational Committee for Justice, where racism experienced such multi-ethnic cultures in my life. ” A Living Nano Nagle was often discussed. “Retirement” may be a misnomer for the life Sister Lou currently Many years ago the Presentation Sisters established a “Kairos” lives. She visits shut-ins at St. Dorothy and St. Gerard parishes, by FRANCINE QUILLIN, PBVM program through which sisters and lay volunteers spent time in and participates in liturgies and activities at both parishes. In the summer ministering among other cultures. Sister Lou spent every Chicago parish there is one person responsible for keeping three summers in Tennessee with that program. One part of their the records and sending in reports to the Office for the Protection Nestled comfortably among the hills in Northeast Iowa is a In the fall after her high school graduation, she traveled to Cedar efforts was to encourage the rural mountain people to bring their of Children and Youth. Sister Lou is that person at St. Dorothy. small village named Harpers Ferry, where the “Cota” name is Rapids, Iowa, to begin nurses’ training at Mercy. After a week she children to the city schools. They also took a census for all the To better help herself with the culture of the people, she is well-known and respected. Bill and Marie Cota raised their nine came home for a visit, and it happened that her pastor, Father parishes of varying faiths to figure out what the people needed. learning Spanish, the language of many of the St. Gerard Majella children on the farm, and when, after several years, they moved William Leonard, stopped in for breakfast, something he very They gave the people directions to get from their home to a parish Parish where she lives. to town, Bill remained active in the village, serving in several civil rarely did. The Holy Spirit was at work! After their meal, Mary church where they could come for help. A Kairos team had also positions and other roles while his newly-married son and wife Lou told Father William she had been thinking about religious life. served at St. Dorothy, and this was Sister Lou’s first experience of Sister Lou believes that “One cannot be Christian without took over the farm. He encouraged her, and then he took her to Waukon, Iowa, to see working in an African-American community. accepting one another. We are more alike than different. There the sisters there. After visiting with them, it became clear to Mary are so many wonderful things in other cultures, and it is exciting Mary Lou is their second youngest child. Often as she was Lou that this was indeed what she wanted to do with her life. It was also through teaching at St. Dorothy and Tolton, and to see the beauty in these cultures. If we are open to it, we cannot growing up she thought about becoming a religious sister. That through her life in the Chicago parishes where Sister Lou help but be enriched. It is also very important to grow in the would not be unusual, since Mary Lou had several first cousins So, without further ado, on the following Wednesday she experienced the richness of other cultures. St. Dorothy, where awareness of the ways in which we discriminate against others. who were priests and sisters in various religious communities, and went to Dubuque to enter the community of the Sisters of the Sister Lou began in 1983, was a largely African-American parish, Our speech and actions always need to show respect and to her own parents provided a faith-filled family environment. On Presentation. After completing all the necessary entrance “process” and St. Gerard Majella in Markham, where Sister Lou has lived demonstrate that we are all equally God’s children.” Saturdays, the Sisters of the Presentation came to teach religion to that day, she was taken out to the garden to meet her classmates, since 1993, has become a largely Hispanic parish. Additionally, the children of the parish, so Mary Lou had first-hand experience who had spent the day working in the “Ground Cherry Patch.” when sisters from other countries gave mission talks in the area, When Mary Lou Cota was a little girl in the village of Harpers with the Presentation community. Throughout their lives together they have never let Sister Lou they would stay with her and their conversations always enriched Ferry, who would ever have dreamed who she would become or forget that she was one week late for that onerous task! Sister Lou’s life. the richness her life would hold by her embrace of so many people who were “not from Harpers Ferry!”

8 PRESENTATION DOORWAYS | winter 2017 PRESENTATION DOORWAYS | winter 2017 9 Sister Mary Therese Krueger Vietnamese Sisters Huyen Phan and Nuong Bui First Profession of Vows Home Away From Home

by ANNETTE KESTEL, PBVM by JOAN LICKTEIG, PBVM

“I, Sister Julianne Brockamp, in the name of the entire They came to us, Sister Huyen Phan and Sister Nuong Bui, from Presentation Community and all assembled here, joyfully receive Religious life offers peace, love and the far-away land of Vietnam, arriving on a cold Sunday afternoon you, Sister Mary Therese Krueger, into vowed membership in this in early January 2015. The only two members of their religious community. May God, from whom you have received the grace to a welcoming spirit to our broken community, the Lovers of the Holy Cross, to study in the United make this commitment, grant you also the strength to fulfill it.” world. We are called to be at the front States, they arrived at Mount Loretto, the home of the Sisters of the Presentation in Dubuque, Iowa, with whom they would spend This prayer spoken by Sister Julianne affirms Sister Mary lines next to our brothers and sisters the next three years of their young lives. One might wonder which Therese’s first profession of the vows of poverty, chastity and standing up for justice and love. It is weighed heavier, their mammoth suitcases or their lonesome hearts. obedience. Sister Mary Therese’s family, Presentation Sisters, associates and friends gathered for this joy-filled celebration on exciting to be part of this movement! Shivering from the cold and equally from the uncertainty of the vast Saturday, October 14, 2017, in the Sacred Heart Chapel at the Sister Mary Therese Krueger unknown before them, they smiled their openness and acceptance Presentation Motherhouse. of Presentation welcome wishes. A wide adventure lay before them, filled almost exclusively with the new, the unfamiliar, the unknown. The theme for the celebration, “Seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God,” ( 6:8) was clearly reflected in the In the days ahead they would revel in their first snowfall, absorb words of the scripture readings and witnessed by the sisters invited When asked what most inspired Sister Mary Therese to follow the beauty of autumn trees, wonder about the unfamiliar food, to speak on Sister Mary Therese’s behalf. the call to religious life, she states, “I believe it was the continued acclimate themselves to new temperatures and begin multiple journey of my faith through my parents, my Catholic education, classes – all in English. They had come to learn! Sister Annette Kestel, formation coordinator, affirms Sister Mary youth group in high school, campus ministry in college and my Therese’s readiness for vows, “Sister Mary Therese has a deep young adult group after college. I discovered God was calling The host community came to expect their dependable presence passion for being of service to those in greatest need and for me to be the best version of myself in a place where I could live in community activities, meals, liturgy and community prayer. promoting justice through systemic change. In these areas she feels a life of service, living in community and supported through Entering wholeheartedly into the culture – ala Dubuque-style, Vietnamese Sisters Nuong Bui (left) and Huyen Phan (right), pictured with Sister St. James Lickteig, hosted a Lunar New Year celebration this past spring a great kinship with Nano Nagle (Irish Presentation foundress) communal prayer with the Presentation Sisters.” the two Vietnamese guests took advantage of new opportunities for the sisters at Mount Loretto. and Mother Vincent Hennessy (Dubuque Presentation foundress). and novel experiences. Delving into their studies – classes, classes She is inspired by their faith in God and their compassion for those Sister Mary Therese continues, “Religious life offers peace, love everywhere – they set up their laptops, read chapters, asked they served, and she desires to follow their example.” and a welcoming spirit to our broken world. We are called to be questions, studied long hours, delighted in English idioms and Fortunately for the two visitors, Sister Theresa Marie Tran, a sister at the front lines next to our brothers and sisters standing up for metaphors and puzzled over American slang. of Christian Charity and also a native Vietnamese, had been living In her reflection, Sister Elena Hoye states, “Sister Mary Therese’s justice and love. It is exciting to be part of this movement!” at Mount Loretto while serving as a faculty member at Divine public profession is also about all of us here! She is not called to At the same time the two sisters met the 60 Presentation Sisters at Word College in Epworth, Iowa. How comforting for Sisters this alone! We must and will stand with her. Together, we will Mount Loretto. In spite of being English-challenged, they readily Huyen and Nuong to share native language, Vietnamese food and follow the invitation of the Gospel. In a culture of blindness, we mastered the unfamiliar names. Evident was the notable contrast beginning questions during this challenging transition time. will offer insight. In a time of darkness all of us will light a path. offered by the jet black hair, olive skin and hazelnut brown eyes of Together with Sister Mary Therese, we will hold aloft a vision … the Vietnamese with the preponderance of “white” in their retired When the calendar turns to summer 2018, Sisters Nuong and God’s vision.” Presentation companions and teachers. Admiring the courage, Huyen expect to, once again, pack their boxes and suitcases creativity, openness and desire for learning, as well as their positive to continue their educational journey, traveling this time to Sister Mary Therese entered the Sisters of the Presentation in attitude, cheerful approach and talents in the arts, the sisters took Manitowac, Wisconsin, where they will attend Silver Lake College December 2014 and has since completed the initial formation Sisters Nuong and Huyen into their hearts. Vietnamese hearts to complete their four-year degree. stages of candidacy and novitiate prior to the profession of responded with deep gratitude for Presentation hospitality. vows. She continues in her discernment process now as a vowed Our journey with the Vietnamese has opened our eyes and member while engaging in full-time graduate theological studies Contrasting the geography of Vietnam, a country approximately warmed our hearts, gifting us with a new dimension of global life at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois, and part-time the size of New Mexico in total area, but totally unlike it in shape, and culture. Separated by a distance of 8,000 miles and a difference ministry as physical therapist at Advocate Christ Medical Center this land of southeastern Asia is a long, narrow country, stretching in nearly every conceivable aspect of life, the likenesses and in Oak Lawn, Illinois. approximately the distance from Seattle, Washington, to Los differences, comparisons and contrasts evaporate as attachments Angeles, California, its long coastal line bordering the Pacific tighten during the months of shared living. Their youth, energy, Sister Mary Therese is the third of six daughters of Ann and James Ocean just above the equator, a tropical climate. While the United spontaneity, spirituality and wide-eyed sincerity offer gift and Krueger of Villa Park, Illinois. She attended St. Alexander Catholic States is 33 times larger than Vietnam, their population density is delight. Uprooted from their country and home they have been Grade School and Willowbrook High School and received her more than seven times that of the United States. firmly planted in Presentation hearts. Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science and doctorate in Left to right: Sister Mary Therese Krueger signs her vows as Sisters Julianne physical therapy from St. University in Davenport, Iowa. Brockamp and Annette Kestel witness.

10 PRESENTATION DOORWAYS | winter 2017 10 PRESENTATION DOORWAYS | winter 2017 11 WHERE in the WORLD is...

Being welcoming and a Christ- presence to others is how I try to live Nano’s spirit. Sister Michelle Gallagher

about becoming a sister?” Sister Michelle, a past homecoming queen of Manilla High School, had some serious thinking to do.

Two years after graduation with some experience working and enjoying life with her young adult friends and even having In Memory of considered another congregation of sisters, Theresa Gallagher entered the Presentation congregation in Dubuque and began teaching primary grades at St. Columbkille School in Dubuque. Patricia K. Pacetti August 23, 1936 - September 29, 2017 “I enjoyed getting to know the children as they grew to value learning. Reading was a big deal to them!” she recalls with delight. Patricia (Pat) Pacetti, with her husband, Gino, made her “And, at St. Columbkille we were like a laboratory school, teaching first commitment as a Presentation associate on June 4, young teachers to teach under the guidance of our principal, Sister 2000. The couple enjoyed a special connection with the Catherine Wingert.” Presentation Sisters for over 45 years since first meeting at St. Germaine Parish in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Always a While living with Sister Jeanine Kuhn in Cedar Falls and Waterloo, pair, they served on the Associate Advisory Committee, Iowa, Sister Michelle was introduced to other ministries – enjoyed gathering with their Chicago associate group, welcoming and registering guests and managing the gift shop participated in summer service in Mason City, Iowa, and at American Martyrs Retreat Center and guiding students at St. looked forward to spending time with the sisters at Mount Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center on the University of Loretto whenever possible. Northern Iowa campus. In addition to sharing evening liturgy and Sister Michelle Gallagher finds the Sacred Heart Chapel at the Presentation Motherhouse to be a special place for personal prayer. meeting the students at the center, twice a year she met with and Over the years Pat worked as a legal secretary, receptionist mentored two student peer ministers. and florist, but her greatest devotion was to her family and beloved husband, Gino. Pat and Gino were married over “Getting to know the students personally and sharing life stories 60 years, and Gino presented his wife with a rose on the SISTER MICHELLE GALLAGHER with them was rewarding. I guess my personal qualities of being a 22nd of every month to celebrate their love. Together they pleasant and caring listener helped us both be comfortable in our raised four children and enjoyed their 11 grandchildren. sessions,” states Sister Michelle. Pat’s quick wit and sense of humor will be missed by all A Listening, Caring Presence Near and dear to Sister Michelle’s heart is to respond to children who knew her, but she will be remembered as a woman and families who suffer in poverty. Having reached out to of deep faith and compassion for others. May she rest in by BETH KRESS, PBVM children in her school classes and in Head Start summer classes, peace! she continues in the spirit of Nano Nagle to respond by giving to charities and practicing hospitality. “Being welcoming and a Christ- A tilt of the head, a twinkle in the eye and a warm smile give Growing up in western Iowa with five brothers and three sisters, presence to others is how I try to live Nano’s spirit,” she says. Sister Michelle Gallagher a natural ease for listening and making Sister Michelle (Theresa Darlene) gives tribute to her parents people comfortable. These traits and a sense of humor helped William and Theresa McNerty Gallagher with instilling faith, hard Solitaire, word finds and adult coloring books are some of Sister her to teach groups of first and second graders for 47 years, work and home-grown fun in their children. Perhaps Michelle Michelle’s relaxing hobbies. She has enjoyed some travel with to coordinate hospitality at a diocesan retreat center and to developed her pleasantness and affability when working in a dress Sister Jeanine and the Gallagher and Kuhn families over the years. Associate Partnership guide college students as they reflected on their peer ministry shop after high school; she must have mixed her charm with experiences and now to enjoy her sisters in the Mount Loretto her fun-loving energy when enjoying dances and “big bands” at Reflecting on retirement, Sister Michelle comments, “Getting to For more information, please visit: community. ballrooms in neighboring towns with her brothers and friends. better know the sisters at this time in my life enriches me and www.dubuquepresentations.org calls me to grow in being present to and patient with others and Office of Associate Partnership Remembering a reading group in her classroom some years ago, Meeting the Sisters of the Presentation when they came to Manilla, interested in their lives.” Sister Michelle enjoys telling about a particular little girl looking up Iowa, to teach summer religious vacation school classes, Sister 563-588-2008 [email protected] at her and saying, “Sister, you have old hair, but your face is young Michelle remembers being impressed at how pleasant and happy Praying and living the teachings of Jesus in the spirit of Nano and you aren’t pruney!” Shocked into silence, Sister Michelle the sisters were doing their . Perhaps this planted the ideas of Nagle, Sister Michelle shares one of her favorite scripture quotes to replied with a “thank you” and a laugh and then remarked, “Yes, I being a teacher and of becoming a sister. All it took was for Sister describe her ongoing journey of living by the Golden Rule: “Always have white hair and it’s nice that it is still growing.” Mary Ernestine Meyers to pop the question: “Did you ever think treat others as you would like them to treat you.” Matthew 7:12

12 PRESENTATION DOORWAYS | winter 2017 PRESENTATION DOORWAYS | winter 2017 13 REMEMBERING our ROOTS

Sister Diana also taught English to the On-line Shopper? Remembering women who were candidates for the Support Your Charity Holy Spirit Sisters, her hosts during her stay Go to smile.amazon.com and start shopping! Our Global in Moshi. Used to the concept of being “on Every time you shop this holiday season, one of your time” in her culture, favorite charitable organizations can be supported by using Sister Diana was AmazonSmile. Roots faced with the idea that “Time is not ours. What is AmazonSmile? Time just is.” She AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to 1970-Present found a greater focus support your favorite charitable organization every time Left to right: Sisters Therese Marie Hawes, Therese Corkery, Maura McCarthy on person than on you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile. Sister Diana Blong receives help getting dressed and Julianne Brockamp welcome their first jeep, making mountain traveling what is accomplished. amazon.com, Amazon will donate a portion of the by HERMANN PLATT, PBVM, ARCHIVIST less arduous. from the candidates for a festival in Moshi in Differences in food 1999. purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. and the lack of You can choose from nearly one million organizations to consistent electricity, proved difficult in the beginning, and her The Sisters of the Presentation founded by Nano Nagle in 1775 Further expansion included work with the Guaraní tribes in support from the drop down menu option. ability to adapt was stretched. has become a world-wide organization spanning 24 countries Timboy. Having learned the language of the indigenous people, and six continents. The Dubuque foundation, stemming from Sister Maura later wrote the history of the Guaraní people and You can use the same account on Amazon.com and Mooncoin in Ireland, has followed the lead of Nano in expanding their struggle to escape from the power of the rich land owners. Ballygriffin, Ireland: 2013 - 2014 AmazonSmile using your same login information. Your its mission to Central and South America, Africa and Ireland. Sister Jennifer Rausch returned to the place where it all began shopping cart, wish list, wedding or baby registry and other when she journeyed to Ballygriffin, Ireland, in the Blackwater Casa Betania in Tarija recently became a house for university account settings are also the same. Valley, the birthplace of Nano Nagle. A visitors’ center has been Bolivia: 1970 - Present students to study and experience community life. The first foreign mission venture of the Dubuque Presentation established there to “preserve the legacy, memory and message Thank you for your support! of Nano Nagle by promoting a place of peace, nourishment and Sisters got underway in August of 1970 with the commissioning To date, in addition to the two founders, seven sisters have healing in the modern world and promoting and practicing of Sisters Maura McCarthy and Ileen Marie Sweeney to Bolivia. At served in the Bolivian mission: Sisters Therese Corkery, Julianne sustainable living and care of the earth.” The center includes the commissioning, Sister Helen Marie Feeney and Archbishop Brockamp, Therese Marie Hawes, Marge Healy, Suzanne Takes, historic buildings, walled gardens and the tomb of Nano Nagle. James J. Byrne bestowed on each a missionary cross. After Mery Cari Paz and Janella Frankl. language school in Cochabamba and living with a local Spanish- speaking family for a time, the two missionaries began their work Guatemala: 1990 - 2001 Activities at the center range from greeting visitors, giving retreats Discernment/Service and days of reflection, and passing on the heritage of Nano and in Ivirgarzama, Bolivia, an experimental parish sponsored by the Sister Rita Menart fulfilled her dream of working with the the Presentation Sisters, to helping with organic farming. Archdiocese of Dubuque. oppressed when she went to Chupol, Guatemala, in 1990. She Opportunities found that many people were poor and had suffered injustice Upon her return to Dubuque, Sister Jennifer brought with her a Transferring to Entre Ríos in 1972, the sisters began having from the wealthy landowners who had exploited the indigenous precious artifact: the door knocker from the house in Mooncoin The Sisters of the Presentation invite women interested in: Sunday Communion services with the people and training people, leaving them with nothing. With a companion, Sister from which Mother Vincent Hennessy had departed to bring the • Deepening their service involvement catechists to continue Sacramental preparation and worship Barbara Ford, BVM, Sister Rita began Sacramental preparation, Presentation Sisters to Dubuque, Iowa, in 1874. services in outlying regions. They later expanded their work to and classes in Scripture reading. Development of church leaders • Discovering more about themselves include an academy, a pharmacy, outreach to those in rural areas was an especially important part of the ministry, since priests • Discerning where God is calling them and advocacy for those lacking the identification papers needed to were available to say Mass almost every other week. to join other women in service to those in need. access government assistance. Sister Rita, later joined by Sister Marge Healy, worked with the March 11-15, 2018 uneducated, preparing catechists to continue the work of the Chicago, Illinois church. A multitude of languages and dialects, along with wars (Sunday to Thursday) and rebellions, made the ministry difficult. By 1995, the ruling military and the guerillas agreed to a truth commission which March 24-29, 2018 allowed people to tell their stories of death and loss of loved ones, New Orleans, Louisiana giving the people a chance to mourn their dead with dignity. (Saturday to Thursday)

Moshi, Tanzania, Africa: 1998 - 2001 Travel and housing accommodations will be provided. The Theological Pastoral Center in Moshi, Tanzania, was the arena for Sister Diana Blong’s ministry of teaching missiology Please contact Sister Jessi Beck at classes. The work was a three-year academic and pastoral program [email protected] Sister Jennifer Rausch stands by the door in Mooncoin from which Mother designed to prepare women religious of East Africa for leadership or more information and/or to register for the trip. roles in the church, leading to a Missia Canonica certificate. Vincent Hennessy had departed to bring the Presentation Sisters to Dubuque in 1874. The door knocker from this door is now in the archives at the Sister Rita Menart reflects on the Gospel with catechists in Chupol, Guatemala. Presentation Motherhouse in Dubuque.

14 PRESENTATION DOORWAYS | winter 2017 13 PRESENTATION DOORWAYS | winter 2017 15 PARTNERS in MISSION HIGHLIGHT KEEPING her NAME ALIVE Partners in Mission Scholar and woman of faith by KAREN TUECKE, PARTNERS IN MISSION COORDINATOR John and Julie Coppinger Sister Kathleen Dolphin Julie Coppinger and her husband, John, share a unique and special relationship with the Sisters of the Presentation. Many memories include family interactions with the sisters, August 23, 1941 - November 16, 2017 and the kindness and love shared by each. As partners in mission, Julie and John’s Current Residence unconditional support through time and treasure does not go unseen. The sisters are Toronto, Ontario, Canada eternally grateful for their support. by CORINE MURRAY, PBVM Hometown Memories John: Born and raised in Toronto, “That is an interesting question. Tell me how you understand it.” While on the Presentation leadership team or as a national and “The sisters have been a part of my life since I was born,” states Julie on the presence Canada Perhaps this is such a conversation that Sister Kathleen Dolphin international speaker, she visited Greece, China, the Netherlands, Presentation Sisters have had in her life. “My aunt June (Sister Sheila Kane) and my Julie: Dearborn, Michigan is now engaged in with noted theologians in the comfort of England, Sri Lanka, Presentation mission in Bolivia, Australia and aunt Tiz (Mary Ann Kane) were in the Presentation congregation.” heaven, especially, Edward Schillebeeckx whose sermons were the many other countries. HOW THEY MET subject of her doctoral dissertation at the University of Chicago. Julie shares some of her fondest memories: “We made visits to Dubuque every summer John and Julie were blessed to meet This seems so appropriate considering that she was a theologian, She was the director of the Center for Spirituality at St. Mary, with my family. We would stay with our grandparents at the Kane family home on at a tavern outside of Tiger Stadium scientist, scholar and life-long learner. Notre Dame for 13 years. She championed the rights of women in Apple Street, just up the street from St. Columbkille Church and School. The home was in Detroit, Michigan. They married both the culture and the church. In that position, she convened also conveniently located near the Presentation Motherhouse where more sisters lived! in 1989, and that is when Julie Sister Kathleen pursued a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the New Voices seminars connecting intergenerational and During the summers, the sisters were present in my life, either in my visits to Dubuque, moved to Canada with John. Clarke College, a master’s degree in science from the University of diverse groups of women scholars. She gave direction to the my aunts visiting us or by going to Notre Dame when my aunts were studying there.” Montana, Missoula, and a master’s degree in Christian spirituality Madeleva Lecture Series in Spirituality, and co-edited two books, MEMORIES from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. As a serious Monica K. Hellwig, The People’s Theologian and Women, Wisdom Remembering When Julie’s aunts Tiz (Mary Ann Kane) scholar she completed both a master’s degree from the School of and Witness. In her teaching at Loyola and St. Mary College, she “Thinking of the Presentation Sisters from when I was a child, I remember being with my and Liz (Lynch) were the first sisters Divinity and a doctorate of philosophy at the University of Chicago. mentored and significantly influenced a whole generation of post- siblings and my aunt Tiz (Sister Maryann) at the former Mount Loretto. We watched she remembers thinking as a child, Vatican II students. some of the sisters play softball in full habits, then went into the kitchen to make “They are so cool!” She was born in Chicago and spent the first decade of her life caramel popcorn. What a great day. And my aunt still makes the best caramel corn ever! there before her parents, Earl and Inez, moved their family to Whether involved in ministry at the Anamosa State Penitentiary, My aunts Tiz and Liz (Lynch) were the first sisters I remember thinking ‘They are cool!’” Dubuque where she met the Sisters of the Presentation for the aiding the homeless or participating in other voluntary programs, The reason we support the Impact on my Life first time at St. Columbkille High School. she had a heart that reached out to people on the margins. Sisters of the Presentation As a great storyteller and with a quick wit, “The most impact the Sisters of the Presentation have on my life is – at one time, I Sister Kathleen was ever mindful of the immigrant experience she delighted others with tales of her wandered away from the church. I left for many years and then, after some rough is because the work they in this country. Her mother came to the United States from adventures. She had a profound years, I stumbled back. Aunt June was there to answer questions. She provided me with do helps so many, so many Sweden as a young teenager. At her mother’s elbow she learned influence on high school and spiritual guidance and helped me weave my spiritual life together without judgement. who need kindness and the fine points of making pepparkakor, Swedish ginger cookies. college students. They not only We had some great discussions. Also, in current years, my visits to Mount Loretto have At Christmas time, she often gifted her family with this special loved her and appreciated her as always given me a safe place to think, heal, pray and just be.” understanding. We need treat. Because of her mother’s experience as a newcomer, she an excellent teacher, but also saw

more of that in our world! was especially attentive to the needs of international students at her as a model for how to live Family Loyola University in Chicago. one’s life. One former student Julie and John look at their family from a special point of view. Julie shares, “Visually, John and Julie Coppinger after hearing of Sister Kathleen’s we see our family like a big comfy old bed, with our family elders as warm cozy quilts Equally proud of her Irish heritage, she thought she had the best of death commented that he thought covering us, keeping us warm, protecting and loving. With aunt June’s recent death, I both worlds and was able to visit that island country several times. heaven just became a better place had lost one of my warmest, loving quilts … and then I walked through the doors of with her arrival there. A multitude Mount Loretto. I saw and felt that I am so blessed to have so many beautiful quilts in the Sister Kathleen could juggle. She taught science and religion to of treasured friends agree. Sisters of the Presentation community. I lost my beloved aunt, yet I still have so many!” high school students in Waukon, Ryan and Mason City, all in Iowa. While at Mason City, she also assumed the position of She often shared how Partner in Mission vocation director for the Presentation community and continued her dad sang the song, Julie shares, “Another area of work that I am supporting is the work done for the in this ministry while working as a campus minister at St. Thomas “I’ll Take You Home immigrant people caught on the edges of society. The sisters’ work with the immigrants Aquinas Student Center at Iowa State in Ames. In addition Again Kathleen” to will make an impact on society.” to teaching at Loyola, Sister Kathleen earned a certificate of her. With her parents, advanced study in philanthropy. her brother Dennis, Making a Difference departed Presentation “The reason we support the Sisters of the Presentation is because the work they do helps She had, as the Irish would say, “itchy feet,” she loved to Sisters, associates, so many, so many who need kindness and understanding. We need more of that in our travel. This “land Dolphin” visited more than 35 countries. friends, and all the world.” She chaperoned high school students to Scotland and Russia. , may she truly be home.

16 PRESENTATION DOORWAYS | winter 2017 18 PRESENTATION DOORWAYS || winter 2017 17 KEEPING her NAME ALIVE

A HEART OF HOSPITALITY Sister Sheila Kane June 29, 1923 - October 27, 2017

by DIANA BLONG, PBVM

The month of November began not only with the celebration of Church. She was instrumental in establishing an ecumenical “free the Solemnity of All Saints, but also with the funeral liturgy of lunch” program that continues to serve over 100 meals daily, six Sister Sheila Kane. Father Doug Wathier’s homily united her love days a week. Her prison ministry at the Oakdale Correctional for music and people: “It is a beautiful interlude in the song of facility would later inspire her to correspond with other inmates. grace that we gather in memory of Sister Sheila on today’s Feast of All Saints. Saints are people who weave together the glorious Sister Sheila’s heart for hospitality blossomed as hospitality promise of our inheritance … with the challenging words of Jesus coordinator at Mount Loretto, where she never quite fully retired. about where God’s blessing lies, not on the rich and powerful; but She graciously welcomed guests at the front door, the chapel, on the poor, the hungry and the tearful … In her company people dining room and wherever they might roam! Her deep regard and felt welcomed and at ease. She put on compassion, kindness, interest in her own family was extended to others in her concern humility, gentleness and patience; and helped people find hope in for them and their families. God’s love for them.” Besides her spirit that welcomed people in, she reached out into That love took root in the home of Bartholomew and Pearl the Dubuque community. Her engagement with the interfaith (Byrne) Kane, 94 years ago, on June 29, 1923, as she joined her two group, Dubuque Area Congregations United (DACU), involved older brothers, and paved the way for her two younger sisters and respectful cooperation among people of diverse backgrounds to two younger brothers on West Hill in Dubuque. Almost on their foster awareness and understanding of human needs. DACU’s doorsteps, St. Columbkille Parish and School, and the Presentation sponsorship of the annual Crop Walk counted on her expertise Sisters, nourished that faith-filled love. Even before graduating for many years. from the parish school, as a senior, she began secretarial work at the chancery, which she served until her entrance into the Sisters Sister Sheila’s unwavering sense of loyalty embraced her Irish of the Presentation in 1945. Her name at the time of reception, roots, her love for family, her classmates, community members, Sister Mary Sheila, was inspired by St. Cecilia, co-workers, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame and many with patroness of musicians. Sister Sheila’s final whom she served. Her generosity of heart would include profession was on May 3, 1951. thoughtful remembrances, including Hallmark greetings, often unsigned so the card became the gift, and practical gifts of A bachelor’s degree from Loras College notecards and stamps. Feasts were meant to be celebrated, and in Dubuque, and a master’s degree in often included the richness of walnuts in her creamy fudge, music from the University of Notre Dame divinity and penuche (Mexican fudge). served her well as she brought music into the hearts of students and parishes across Besides her interest in the news and political discourse, she also Iowa in Danbury, Storm Lake, Sheldon, kept abreast of the sports world, theatre, film and the fine arts. Farley, Whittemore, Osage, Charles City She actively participated in Presentation discussions and the and Iowa City, and in Winner, South Dakota. annual community gathering. Centering prayer, especially in a group, was a great grace in her spiritual journey. In the 1980s as pastoral minister at St. in Iowa City, As Father Doug reflected, “Sister Sheila practiced a faith that Sister Sheila’s gifts of tender- manifested her belief that God blessed the poor, the hurting, the hearted hospitality found a peace making and the meek … In her honor may we be the ones home. On the first RCIA to bless people and places and things, and in doing so bring God’s team in the Diocese of life to our corner of the world.” Davenport, she warmly welcomed those Sister Sheila’s chosen Scripture reflects her heart for hospitality, exploring their faith “There are, in the end, three things that last: Faith, hope and love, within the Catholic and the greatest of these is love.” (I Corinthians 13:13)

18 PRESENTATION DOORWAYS | winter 2017 You are invited to join us. December 25, 2017 M o u n t L o r e tto Christmas Mass 9:00 a.m. A ND BEYOND Sisters of the Presentation Featured below are special times in the lives of Dubuque Presentation Sisters and associates, near and far. Sacred Heart Chapel Dubuque, Iowa Special Recognition January 22, 2018 Sister Donna Demmer received the Living February 26, 2018 Centering Prayer History Teacher of the Year Award on 5:30 p.m. Evening Meal October 6, 2017, at Living History Farms in 6:15-7:00 p.m. Prayer Urbandale, Iowa. For many years, as a part Sisters of the Presentation of the study of Iowa history, Sister Donna Sacred Heart Chapel has taken students on an annual field trip Dubuque, Iowa to Living History Farms. This award will cover the entrance fee for the students when March 11-15, 2018 they visit the farm in May 2018. Discernment/Service Opportunity Chicago, Illinois March 24-29, 2018 Discernment/Service Opportunity New Orleans, Louisiana June 20-23, 2018 Service Opportunity at La Luz Hispana Hampton, Iowa

For updated information about the activities and events of the Sisters of the Presentation of Dubuque, please visit our web site at www.dubuquepresentations.org or call 563.588.2008.

Please pray with us. December 16, 2017 Christmas Dinner with guests from Dubuque Rescue Mission and Hope House Sisters of the Presentation Dubuque, Iowa February 2, 2018 World Day for Consecrated Life February 4-9, 2018 Mount Loretto Retreat March 8-14, 2018 Explore what a life of prayer, community National Catholic Sisters Week and service could be for you. April 14, 2018 Sister and Associate Retreat Contact Sister Jessi Beck at Sisters of the Presentation [email protected] 21st of each month bit.ly/pbvmvowedmembership Pray for Vocations 25th of each month Sisters of the Presentation Mass for Benefactors DUBUQUE, IOWA

PRESENTATION DOORWAYS | winter 2017 19 NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Dubuque, IA Permit No. 477

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Nano… Her spirit moved across the miles to bring the gift of new-born life to those awaiting sacred news of promise and of light.

Yet there at home she tended to the voices of despair; those calling out with eager hope to see the lantern light of Nano’s daily care.

Maura Fitzsimons, PBVM

Christmas blessings to you and your family. Sisters of the Presentation Dubuque, Iowa